The
Quality Cut OPAL
LOGAN VILLAGE
Issue Four | November 2017
Helping Hands: Residents to the Rescue
Construction Update: The Final Twenty
In the Spotlight: Travelling the Country for Music
Live the Lifestyle you deserve!
General Manager’s Message Welcome to the November issue of our newsletter! With the last 20 homes under construction, we are truly moving towards the end of construction here at Opal by Living Gems. This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of an established community with a strong social network and incredibly welcoming nature. We are very lucky to offer outstanding facilities at this resort that truly enable you to live the life that you deserve. Our spacious two and three bedroom free-standing and duplex homes mean that there is an option for everyone, regardless of whether you are very active, or prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. With the added benefit of resort maintenance being carried out by our excellent Resort Managers, there is more time to relax and have more fun. Now that we are on our way to ‘the final countdown’, it is important to remember that this really is your last chance to buy a home with all the hard work done for you. We have an open day upcoming on Saturday 11 November, so be sure to let your friends and family know so
Currently, we are upgrading all homes under construction with big ticket items such as security screens on all windows and doors, six-zone ducted air conditioning, high-end finishes
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The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
Did you know that we have a Facebook page? Find us at www.facebook.com/ LivingGemsAus and click follow to be kept up-to-date with the latest and greatest news and fun.
https://youtu.be/VZTIdR051wU Find us on YouTube for a sneek peek into what you can do in our workshop.
on kitchens, smart stone benchtops, canopy range hoods, and window finishes with panel glides on sliding doors but to name a few! All of these brand new designs, of which nine are available, will be ready to move into very shortly. We are officially building on the last 20 vacant blocks – it’s a bitter sweet feeling as we reach this final phase. For those who are still thinking about making the move – it really is your last chance to be part of this incredibly special community.
Vlad Pullich General Manager Living Gems
Have you seen our workshop in action?
Sales Manager’s Message Welcome to our November newsletter! The winter is finally behind us and we’re now moving straight into the selling season! There’s no better time to think about making the move to Opal by Living Gems.
we can show them just what life is like in Opal at Living Gems.
To snap up this final opportunity, we have an open day on Saturday 11 November from 9am to 12pm – there’s no RSVP required for this big event, all are welcome! In this issue of our newsletter, we share all the latest news and stories from our resort, there’s plenty to see and it is a wonderful snapshot of life here at Opal by Living Gems. For more frequent updates, be sure to follow our Facebook page. Lyn Butler Sales Manager
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Under Construction
These two homes under construction are two of six currently being built at Opal by Living Gems. Though the homes boast the Finch design, they offer two different facades. The Finch is a great design as it has a traditional u-shaped kitchen, with a servery to the alfresco area and a fixed glass window above the ceramic cooktop. The open-plan living and dining room is a great square shape – making it incredibly easy to decorate. We recently upgraded our colour selections at Opal, and have more inclusions than ever before. People might not know this, but we have a team of designers always checking out the latest trends, and we constantly update our finishes. Being in a resort environment, we also go to great lengths to make each home unique and when we choose the colours of the outside walls, gutters, roof and fascia. We look at all the houses around and make www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
We have a team of designers always checking out the latest trends, and we constantly update our finishes. sure it blends in with the same colour palette, but is still different so we never get the ‘cookie cutter’ effect. We look at future-proofing with accommodations such as extra-wide
doorways, one level floor plans, extralarge shower recesses, and positioning of the alfresco to make it private. Our great team of designers and builders at Living Gems put a lot of thought into every home and back that up with over 30 years of experience and feedback from our residents. We believe that we have the best resorts and value for money in the market. If you’d like to learn more about Opal by Living Gems, contact our Sales Team on: 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au. The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
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In the Spotlight Travelling in style, Errol and Pam fly out to Wilpena.
Travelling the Country for Music After years running a trucking business, Pam and Errol Westwood were preparing for retirement, which they planned to spend driving around Australia, when Errol had a stroke. It was a devastating blow for the couple, and at first, Errol, who became partly paralysed down his left side, questioned whether they would be able to continue their adventures, but Pam was having none of it. “He thought it could be the end of our travels, but I said, ‘excuse me! I can drive you now!’ So, we got a bigger motor home, got a trailer for the Suzuki Jimny, and we can go everywhere now.” Pam has done plenty of driving in the past few years, and she doesn’t mind at all. “I love driving – I could drive the rest of my life,” she said. “I just love being on the highway.”
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The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
She drove semi-trailers for the family business until she had children, and before that she was a driver for the Australian Air Force. “I’m born and bred to be on a highway,” she added. “I got sick and tired of being on a typewriter in an office, so I became an Air Force transport driver. It was great.” The Westwoods have done a lot of travel. In their early trips, they took themed holidays: one year they searched for ghost towns; another they went looking for riverside campgrounds; on others, they were camping in the shadows of various mountains and waterfalls.
watching TV getting old and grey, we always ask, ‘why haven’t we been there and seen that?’ And then we do it.” After seeing many sights in Australia and overseas (even as late as last Christmas they did a cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam), these days the couple focuses on following country music festivals. They recently got back from the St. George Country Music Festival, and were preparing to go to the Clarence Valley Country Music Muster at Ulmarra. Early in the New Year they will be at the Laidley Country Music Festival.
Errol’s favourite spot is Wyndham at the top of Western Australia, where five rivers all enter into the sea. Another highlight is climbing Australia’s largest sand dune, Big Red, which is just outside of Birdsville. With Pam’s help, he made it to the top.
In terms of music, Pam prefers Australian balladeers such as Keith Jamieson, Jeff Brown and Graham Rodger. “Music is the source of life. If you don’t sing and be happy, there is no point in being around. Songs soothe the soul. Music is what keeps us going. We love it.”
“We did Big Red, stroke and all,” says Pam. “We don’t want to sit around
Moving to Opal by Living Gems has also allowed the Westwoods to travel
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42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
4x4s making the crossing over Big Red, the sand dune at the eastern edge of Simpson Desert.
Get stuffed with Living Gems When you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go. A toilet in the middle of nowhere. more freely without any worries about their property. “When we used to go, we would worry about whether the house would be OK – who would cut the grass, and who would keep it secured. At Opal by Living Gems, we can drive away and know the place is in safe hands.” If you would like to share your travel stories, contact the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au. Bottom left to right: 1 Visiting old railway stations is a favourite of Pam and Errol. 2 Sunset at The Sculptures, Broken Hill. 3 The Burke and Wills ‘Dig Tree’ is one of Australia’s national icons and is an enduring reminder of our pioneering spirit. 4 Cameron’s Corner, the geodetic point at which the states of Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia meet. 5 Taking games very seriously on a recent camping trip.
Char-grilled Broccoli with Feta and Charred-Lemon Dressing Broccoli isn’t the most exciting ingredient by itself. But in this recipe, it comes into its own. Charred on the edges and still slightly crunchy, this light meal is perfect in its own right, or as an excellent side to grilled lamb or chicken. Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients: • 2 small heads of broccoli, thick stalks trimmed, thickly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup each of coarsely chopped mind and flat-leaf parsley
• 1 1/2 lemons, cut into cheeks
• Spanish onion, thinly sliced
• 100ml (1/2 cup) extra-virgin olive oil
• 100g Greek feta, crumbled
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, to taste
• To serve: slivered pistachios.
Method
• Arrange broccoli slices on a serving platter, drizzle with a little more dressing, then pile chopped broccoli mixture on top. Scatter with pistachios and serve with charred lemon cheeks.
• Bring a char-grill pan or barbecue to high heat. • Drizzle broccoli with olive oil, season to taste and grill, turning occasionally, until charred and tender (8-10 minutes). Set aside. • Grill lemon cheeks, turning occasionally until charred and softened (6-8 minutes), then set aside. • Coarsely chop half of the broccoli and combine in a bowl with mint, parsley, onion and feta, season to taste, and toss to combine. Drizzle with dressing to taste and toss again to coat.
Chef’s top tips: Slice the broccoli through the stems to keep the slices intact, this makes for much easier handling on the grill! If you have a family recipe that you’d love to share with us – send it through to the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au.
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www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
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Talking Pets
Gem of a Home:
$360,000
The Albatross has two spacious bedrooms plus a study with built-in desk and shelving. The designer kitchen has stone bench tops, upgraded range hood, plumbing to the fridge, and a pendant lighting feature above the enormous island bench. The master bedroom sports built-in robes, air conditioning, and of course, a luxurious en suite bathroom. The second bedroom also offers built in robes and ceiling fan. An extra-large single garage with epoxy floor finish ensures you have plenty of storage.
Missy
Keeping up-to-date with our residents is very important to us here at Opal by Living Gems. As a pet-friendly resort, we see our animals as part of the family – so in this section of our newsletter, we catch up with our hairier residents. What type of dog are you? Missy: I am a black poodle-Maltese cross. How did you get your name? Missy: Steve picked it for me. Now Lisa calls me Madam Missy because I’m so demanding. I like my routine, which includes going for walks and socialising with people (especially those that give me treats). What’s your favourite food? Missy: Lisa cooks me a mince and vegetable mix, which she puts in little freezer bags and then heats up for me each day and serves with a bit of dry food. It’s delicious. I also like my dog treats when I wake up in the mornings. A little piece of mum’s morning toast is also good. What is your favourite pastime? Missy: I like being around people and getting lots of attention. I also have a fetish for panda bear toys that I drag around the house and play with. That’s my thing.
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The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
Sex Female
Name Missy
Age 4.5 Years
Parents Lisa & Steve
Which part of Opal by Living Gems do you enjoy the most?
• 2 bedrooms
Missy: Because I am very food orientated, I like visiting people who feed me treats. Apart from that, I like going for walks down to the off-leash park at the back of the resort – that is quite a social outing for both me and my mum, Lisa. Some of the dogs are really playful. It’s good to use up all my energy.
• Study
• 2 bathrooms
What’s your most annoying habit?
• Stone bench tops • Ensuite • Air conditioning Call 07 5547 2333 or email: opalsales@livinggems.com.au for more information or to view our stunning range of homes.
Missy: Lately, I have taken to barking a little bit when people walk past the house. Lisa doesn’t like it, but I’m just trying to be friendly. Your greatest achievement? Missy: I’m currently trying to learn how to use my doggy door, and when I do, it will be the biggest achievement of my life. Who treats you best? Mum or Dad? Missy: My Dad’s not here, he’s sick. I’m very clingy to my mum, she feeds me, gives me lots of cuddles and walks every day. Opal by Living Gems is a pet-friendly resort that promotes active lifestyles and welcoming communities. If you are interested in becoming part of our resort and would like some more information, contact our Sales Team on: 1800 288 918 or email: opalsales@livinggems.com.au. 42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
FACADE 1
FACADE 2
Finch
Home sweet home! The Finch has a spacious, two bedroom design with a master that boasts a walk-through wardrobe leading to the stunning ensuite bathroom. The main bathroom and ensuite both have vanity units with stone bench tops and floor to ceiling tiles in the shower recess. The stylish kitchen also flaunts stone bench tops, a range hood, fridge water
connection, and a ceramic cook top. The island bench is well-suited to the culinary genius with its generous overhanging bench and a double power point to the side. • 2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom and ensuite • Walk-through wardrobe • Designer kitchen If you would like more information about this home or to arrange a viewing, call 07 5547 2333 today.
New display homes SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 9AM – 12NOON OPAL BY LIVING GEMS 42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Don’t get caught out! It’s your last chance to buy one of our exceptional display homes! Enjoy a morning tea on us, meet your friendly future neighbours and find out why Opal by Living Gems is the place to be.
www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
Call Lyn on 07 5547 2333 for more information or check out our website www.livinggems.com.au
The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
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Improve your Game If you live at Opal by Living Gems, you’ll never be stuck for things to do. Even if your idea of a great weekend is nipping over to the tavern for a quick game of pool, a schooner and a chinwag – in our resort, you can just head straight to your very own country club. Our games room and lounge provides plenty of space for socialising or even the more serious competition if you are that way inclined. Whether you prefer billiards, chess or a good card game with friends, there’s plenty to do, learn, and see. If you’d like to hear more about our facilities, contact our Sales Team on: 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au.
Photograph the back of your gizmos before you unplug them. Nobody wants to waste time trying to figure out how that pesky red cord fits into the back of the computer. By photographing the setup beforehand, you’ll have a simple guide that shows you what goes where. You’ll be able to get back on Foxtel in no time!
Hire a trailer or truck.
5 Ways to Stay Sane on Moving Day Most of our Living Gems residents decide to move into our resorts because they are forward-thinking and looking to reduce the amount of work required to run their homes by downsizing. If you’re looking to move into one of our fully managed, hassle-free resorts, take a look at these top tips for moving home: 8
The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
If you’re lucky enough to hire removalists – then good for you! But many of us don’t fancy shelling out the money, or want to move in stages. If you have a tow bar on the back of your car, you can hire a trailer for just $50 from local service stations for a whole 24 hours. If you don’t have a tow bar – websites such as Gumtree often have private truck listings available for low prices.
your new place fully-assembled, but as long as you keep track of your screws in these bags, rebuilding it will be a breeze! You’ll thank yourself later and quickly be able to identify which screw goes where. Who needs instruction manuals?!
Tape drawers shut – with everything inside. Save boxes and simply leave your socks and shirt in the chest of drawers – and cling wrap the whole thing! The drawers won’t fall out and smack you in the shins and all you’ll need to unpack at your new home will be a sharp pair of scissors. Opal by Living Gems resort promotes active and healthy lifestyle living where you can meet like-minded others. For more information, call: 07 5547 2333 or email: opalsales@livinggems.com.au.
Cut carry-holes in your boxes. Use scissors to cut a small hole on each side of the box so that you can get a good grip. This will make life much easier. The last thing you want is a stack of boxes, two flights of stairs and your grasp slowly slipping…
Put screws and bits in labelled sandwich bags. Let’s face it, that Ikea dresser you bought a few years back probably won’t make it through the door of 42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Our Living Gems At Living Gems, we’re a community inside and out. We love getting to know our resident stakeholders, so here’s an opportunity for you to get to know us better too. A family-run business through and through, Living Gems would be nowhere without its staff members and we like to make sure they know that they’re appreciated. Here you can learn a little about their backgrounds and why they love working for Living Gems.
Samantha Regan is a fairly recent addition having been with us for just over nine months. Sam moved to Australia five years ago and has never looked back. A true Pom – she’s easily sunburnt, excellent at queueing, and whinges about the weather a lot. With a background in journalism, Sam has spent the last few years as a content writer and now manages “all the wordage” for Living Gems, as our Sales and Marketing Manager, Ben Livingstone says. Here, Sam tells us a little more about herself: How did you get into writing? SR: I sort of fell into it really. I studied English at university and after I graduated, I completed my journalism qualification. At that point, I was doing some freelance work for a couple of newspapers and then the opportunity arose for me to move to The Land Down Under. Since I moved here, I’ve worked mostly as an editor and written for several publications in addition to doing my own freelance content writing. What inspires you? SR: Hmm, it varies day to day. I’m very motivated by food, so if you ever want to get work out of me – snacks always help! I’ve always been very arty, so I would say I’m inspired by
nature and daily life and the world around me. I love to draw, paint and create but generally, I do a lot more writing these days. I’m always looking for juicy stories and interesting tales. You could say that I’m professionally nosey! Recently, I’ve taken to working with motion graphics and video – it’s definitely a step in a different direction, but it’s something that I’ve become really captivated by! What do you most enjoy about your role? SR: I love the variety of people I get to speak to. A lot of my role includes speaking to our residents and hearing about how they came to find Living Gems. I get to speak to people from all walks of life and some of their stories are just incredible. Many times I’ve been clutching my sides laughing at things our residents have told me, but then conversely I’ve also been moved to tears at some of the more heartfelt moments. I’m not even particularly emotional, I’ve just found that Living Gems people really are all incredibly kind-hearted, funny, and just great to be around. When I’m not chatting with residents, I really love coming into the office every day just to work. We have such a great team here, and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t get a big belly laugh – a lot of the time I feel like I’m surrounded by friends rather than colleagues. What is your favourite Living Gems home? SR: My favourite is the Albatross. It has a spacious floorplan and a luxurious designer kitchen. I love cooking so the added storage space would be ideal for the copious ingredients I purchase and then neglect to use because I’ve forgotten about them. I also really like the large courtyard. Indoor/outdoor living is really important for a lot of people now – especially in the gorgeous Queensland weather. The garage would also be perfect for me – I’d convert a section of it into a dog-den.
www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
“Living Gems people really are all incredibly kind-hearted, funny, and just great to be around.” What do you like to do in your spare time? SR: I spend a lot of time with my dog – whether that’s whilst bulk-watching a new Netflix series cuddled on the couch or terrorising people at the dog park. Penny is a Great Dane, so she frightens a few people despite being a very large sook. We have a dogfriendly office so it’s great to bring her in during the week, although with her head being desk height, a lot of my (and other people’s) paperwork gets drooled on. Other than spending time with Penny, I read a lot and like to visit new exhibitions and museums. There’s always something going on and I love trying to expand my mind and skills. Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? SR: Definitely still in Australia! I was recently granted my citizenship after a long and arduous journey to get it. I love living here and have really embraced the Aussie way of life – I even call flip-flops ‘thongs’ now. I hope I’m still with Living Gems in ten years. We have so many exciting projects coming up and I’d love to see them all through to the end. If you would like to speak to one of our sales people regarding your home, please contact Lyn on 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au. The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
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Social Update
Helping Hands
Many hands make light work!
The Avocado Mystery Solved Have you ever wondered where the enormous box of avocados for sale in the bowls or clubhouse come from? Well we all have! Excitingly, this month the delicious stoned-fruit mystery has been solved for good! Residents, Brian and Elizabeth lived on Mt Tamborine (just a short drive from our resort) for over 25 years and in that time, they made friends with another mountain local who grows several avocado trees. Every couple of weeks, Brian and Elizabeth venture back up the mountain to visit and pick some of the avocados to then bring back to sell at Opal.
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The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
The avocados Brian brings are beautiful, delicious, and not to mention cheap for the residents! The money Brian collects for them he then donates straight to the bowls club. A huge advocate of the club, the couple have been making donations for several years – so much so that the club bar is affectionately known as “Big Dog’s Bar”, after Brian’s nickname. We are given so many wonderful examples of the outstanding community spirit here at Opal by Living Gems. If you have a story that you’d like included in our newsletter, contact the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au.
Whether you like them on toast or on their own, avocados are nature’s butter! 42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Our residents come from a variety of different backgrounds, but the one thing that they all have in common is their unstoppable enthusiasm and compassionate nature. One of our residents, Michelle has lived in Opal since 2016, along with her mother, Leah. The pair have always been very close having lived together all of Michelle’s life, in part to her hearing and sight impairment.
There’s no stopping the enthusiasm of this Opal team
Unbelievable teamwork at Opal by Living Gems
At these prices, you’d never want to buy them in a supermarket again www.livinggems.com.au | 07 5547 2333
Sadly, Leah passed away a couple of months ago and Michelle had been struggling to stay in their shared home, but didn’t want to leave Opal. Fortunately, our team managed to find a new duplex for Michelle that met all of her needs and sold the larger home she had shared with her mother. Today was moving day, and the wonderful residents of Opal came to the rescue. Ten residents pitched in and loaded their cars up with Michelle’s furniture and moving boxes to take them to her gorgeous new home. The support of the Opal Community is truly amazing, and it is a great pleasure selling homes at the resort knowing that homeowners will always be greeted by such an outstanding group of people.
Supplying competitors with the resort’s finest Dutch Courage The Quality Cut – Opal Logan Village Issue Four – November 2017
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What’s on
$950
November The NDIS: Getting Informed Thursday 9 November, 9:15am Beenleigh Events Centre
FREE
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of supporting people with a disability in Australia. The scheme will be rolling out in the Logan and Gold Coast regions from 1 July 2018 with people being contacted in January 2018 to begin the access process. This workshop will provide information about the NDIS and are designed to help you find out how best you can utilise it.
Health Education Evening Thursday 2 November, 7pm 3994 Pacific Highway, Loganholme
$5
Friday 10 November to Sunday 12 November, 4:30pm Tamborine Mountain
This event is perfect for mature students who are looking for more guidance when writing journal articles or working on a thesis. This activity aims to provide students with an opportunity to focus on the writing component of their research, in a structured and collaborative environment.
Feeling as though you need to find yourself again? Women 4 Women Self-Awareness Weekend is set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. This program will help you slow down, step into the present and regain some inner calm. Using Equine Assisted Learning and guided relaxation techniques, this program has been designed to help you reconnect, recharge, and gain greater self-awareness. Includes stunning accommodation, all meals and refreshments, and two days of guided learning by highly qualified facilitators.
Beach Boys Tribute Show
$10
Join the community, get to the bottom of the hype and achieve safe long-term results with a program that will: increase your energy and build your immune system, provide predictable weight loss without punishing yourself, put your metabolism back on track regardless of your age.
Spring Academic Writing Workshop & Retreat Friday 3 November – Monday 6 November 8:30am-4pm – 255 Beacon Rd, North Tamborine
$50
Women 4 Women Self Awareness Weekend
Saturday 4 November, 6pm Riverlakes Tavern & Function Centre
$65
Enjoy dinner and a show with this superb love letter to the phenomenal Beach Boys. A string of hits transcending three decades, the Beach Boys are one of the greatest bands of all time. From pure rock ‘n’ roll, to lush production numbers and vocal masterwpieces, the iconic band is brought to life with a captivating tribute.
Nature Journaling Sunday 5 November, 12pm – Springwood
FREE
Nature journaling is a great way to spent time out in nature and to observe and learn more about your surroundings. Join Paula Peeters from Paperbark Writer for an inspirational session. No prior experience of drawing or writing is necessary.
Europe Touring & Cruise Information Evening Tuesday 14 November, 6pm – Fitzy’s Loganholme
FREE
Attend a free and informative evening to discover the myriad of amazing travel experiences Escape Travel has in store for you. Get insider knowledge from experts, enjoy lucky door prizes, drinks and nibbles and save on your next holiday with exclusive offers available only at the event.
Santa Photos for Your Pets Saturday 11 November, 9am 7 Eggersdorf Road, Ormeau Santa photos are coming to All Things Pet, Pools and Produce this November. Come down and support QLD Staffy and Amstaff Rescue and have your dog’s photo taken with Santa! A perfect picture for your Christmas cards – and of course another great opportunity for a sausage sizzle. All money raised goes towards rescuing dogs in need and caring for their dogs in foster care.